Manila, Philippines/ 24 November 2015 – Filipinos tend to think only about their health when they are sick and more often than not, have a strong tendency to self-medicate during times of illness. These and other surprising health truths were uncovered in 2014 when PhilCare commissioned the PhilCare Wellness Index where more than 1,200 Filipinos nationwide were asked about their views on health and their well-being.

The first of its kind in the Philippines, the study provided PhilCare with an in-depth look on how Filipinos approach health and wellness. In spite the fact that 59% of Filipinos have access to doctors, majority – or 74 percent—still choose to self medicate than consult a doctor. What makes this alarming is that Filipinos view on health is often on the “curative” and not preventive. Meaning, they will only consult or see a doctor when they are already sick. For others, it’s the high cost of consultation that prevents them from seeing a doctor upon on-set of illness. PhilCare is addressing this situation with the introduction of its Unlimited Medical and Dental Consultation cards which allows its holder to avail of consultation services for 12 months from its nationwide network of PhilCare-designated affiliated doctors.

“PhilCare believes that prevention is always better than cure. Other than leading a healthy lifestyle, Filipinos should also be able to have immediate access to their doctors during onset of any illness or even just to check the progress of their health. Our new Unlimited Medical and Dental Consultation cards will address this need,” shares Noemi G. Azura, president & CEO of PhilCare.

Understanding that each age range has specific health concerns, PhilCare developed three variants of the Unlimited Medical and Dental Consultation Cards, according to the age of its user. Medical and Dental Consultation for Kids – for kids aged 1 to 17 years old. Philcare offers unlimited medical consultations to more than 5,500 PhilCare-affiliated pediatrician and one year unlimited consultation with Dental Network dentists. Medical and Dental Consultation Cards for Adults – for adults aged 18 to 64 years old. Card offers unlimited medical consultations to more than 9,600 PhilCare-affiliated family medicine specialists, internal medicine specialists, cardiologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, pulmonologists and gastroenterologists nationwide. One year access to Dental Network dentists.Medical and Dental Consultation Cards for 65+ – Ideal for adults aged 65 and above.

Patty P. Henson, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer for PhilCare shares, “The unlimited consult cards makes consultations easy, affordable and available for everyone – especially for senior citizens. No long paper work to register, activation of the card is done by text and can be used three days immediately after activation. We always said that PhilCare Makes Health Happen – this is a testament to that commitment.” PhilCare has also made it easy for everyone to purchase the unlimited consultation cards, courtesy of its efficient online shopping system. To buy, just log on to the PhilCare website and proceed to http://www.philcare.com.ph/product-category/consultation-cards/